Visual C++ resources include graphical objects like icons, cursors, message boxes, dialog boxes, fonts, bitmaps, pens and brushes that add interactivity to applications. Resources are added to a resource file (.rc) using resource editors and compiled using the resource compiler (rc.exe). Bitmaps are blocks of pixel data used for non-scaling pictures, and icons combine a bitmap image with a mask for transparency. Menus allow users to select predefined options and their IDs must be converted for Win32 functions. Dialog boxes contain user input controls and come in modal, system modal, and modeless types.

1. Visual C++ Programming